OPERA TING GUIDE V2 QUICK-START OPERATION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 1 2 FBX-2020 CONTROLS 4 APPLICATION OF COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2 ABOUT THE FBX-2020 3 FIFTH OCTAVE FILTER STAGE ACTIVITY POWER SWITCH FUSE APPLICATION DIAGRAMS 4 4 4 4 5 FREQUENCY RESPONSE WORLD'S BEST FEEDBACK CONTROLLER WHO NEEDS FBX? WHY THE FBX? DIRECT HIT ON FEEDBACK! ACTIVE/BYPASS SWITCH SIGNAL LEVEL RESET SET TOTAL NUMBER OF FILTERS SET FIXED LOCK FIXED FILTERS A/C POWER INPUT AUDIO INPUTS & OUTPUTS 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 FBX SETUP FOR MONITORS FBX SETUP FOR ENTIRE MIX FBX SETUP FOR SINGLE INSERT POINT FBX SETUP FOR INSERT SEND & RETURN FBX-2020 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 CLIPGUARDTM TURBO MODE GUIDE HOW TO OPERATE THE FBX-2020 HOW TO USE THE FBX-2020 FEATURES USING THE LOCK FIXED FEATURE SELECTING FILTER WIDTH IMPORTANT OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS MEMORY BYPASS MODE RESETTING THE FILTERS TURBO MODE SETUP DEFEATING TURBO MODE MOBILE VS. STATIONARY MICROPHONES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS INDEX CAUTIONS & WARNINGS LIMITED WARRANTY 6 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 11 12 WHERE THE FBX FITS IN YOUR SOUND SYSTEM A NOTE ABOUT GRAPHIC EQUALIZERS UNDERSTANDING FIXED & DYNAMIC FILTERS CLIPGUARDTM ADAPTIVE CLIP LEVEL CONTROL 6 6 6 6 FBX-2020 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS 10 QUICK-START OPERATION For best results, read all operating instructions before using the FBX-2020. If you're already familiar with the FBX or just want a basic overview of FBX operation, this simple quick-start procedure is for you. More detailed instructions are on page 7 inside this operating guide. 1. 2. 3. Place the FBX between the output of your mixer and the input of your power amp. With the master volume down, put the FBX-2020 in active mode (red BYPASS LED off), then slowly raise the mixer master volume to the point of feedback. Keep raising the master volume until all of your fixed filters and one dynamic filter are set, then lower the volume slightly. (Factory default is nine fixed and three dynamic filters.) The rest of the filters continually catch and update new feedback frequencies throughout the program. You're ready to go. READ THE ENTIRE OPERATING GUIDE FOR COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS. CONGRATULATIONS! You now have the state-of-the-art in feedback control. Your Sabine FBX-2020 Feedback Exterminator® -- a single channel, 20-bit digital filtering device -- gives you automatic real-time feedback control and increases the clarity and volume of your system. The FBX-2020 incorporates the latest in digital signal processing technology. It automatically senses feedback in a sound system and determines its pitch. It then places one of 10 Constant Q micro-filters on the resonating frequency and eliminates the feedback in typically less than one second. Special features of the FBX-2020: · · · · · An improved algorithm that allows the FBX-2020 to better distinguish the difference between feedback and music Improved 20-bit digital resolution, providing superior dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio 10 feedback filters, giving the unit more feedback elimination power for the toughest venues. ClipGuardTM adaptive clip level control, with TURBO setup mode, increases the effective dynamic range by more than 10dB and makes setup faster and easier. Standard FBX features such as lockable fixed filters and switchable 1/10- and 1/5-octave Constant Q filters are also included and now have convenient front panel switches. © 1995-2001 Sabine, Inc. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Application of Council Directive: 73/23/EEC and 89/336/EEC Standard to which conformity is declared: EN 60065:1993 EN 50082-1:1992 EN 55022 Class B Manufacturer's Name: Manufacturer's Address: Sabine, Inc. 13301 Highway 441 Alachua, FL 32615-8544 USA Type of Equipment: Model No.: Serial No.: Year of Manufacture: Equalizer FBX-2020 1997 and on I, the undersigned, herby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standard. Place: Alachua, Florida, USA Date: October 4, 2000 Signature: Full Name: Doran Oster, Sabine President 2 ABOUT THE FBX-2020 Feedback Frequency FBX filter Direct Hit on Feedback! The FBX targets feedback without taking a big chunk out of your sound. Tests prove that a single 1/3-octave EQ slider pulled down 12 dB removes almost half the power going to the speakers over a two-octave range. And, as this illustration shows, you can't place a graphic EQ filter precisely on the ringing frequency. When you pull down multiple sliders in a normal setup (below), you end up with giant holes in your music. On the other hand, FBX micro-filters are 10 times narrower - you get back up to 90% of the power you lose with a graphic EQ! That means more gain before feedback and no loss in sound quality. FREQUENCY RESPONSE: FBX 1/10-Octave Filter Vs. 1/3-Octave Graphic EQ Filter (12 dB depth; Log Scale). Frequency Response Full Set-Up FBX Vs. 1/3 Octave Graphic Equalizer. Test procedure: A PA system was set up using a microphone, mixer, FBX, power amp and two speakers. The system's gain was raised until the FBX removed nine feedback points. Next, the FBX was replaced with a 1/3 octave graphic EQ. The EQ was adjusted while the system gain was raised to the same level achieved with the FBX. The frequency response curves of each device were then plotted. World's Best Feedback Controller Before the invention of the FBX, the most common device for controlling feedback was the 31-band graphic EQ. However, the FBX has three distinct advantages. The most obvious is the FBX functions automatically, even during the program. Another is the FBX micro-filters are precisely placed while EQ filters are fixed. The difference: FBX filters do not have to be as deep, so there is more system gain. The most important advantage is that FBX micro-filters are ten times narrower than 31-band EQ filters. FBX micro-filters return up to 90 percent of the power removed by EQ filters. Over the years, engineers stopped using 12-band EQs in favor of the narrower-filter 31-band EQ for controlling feedback. The FBX represents the next step. An EQ would need more than 10,000 sliders to be equivalent to your FBX. With the FBX-2020, your monitors will finally sound loud enough, everyone in the audience will understand each word, and the mains will sound natural and transparent. Who Needs FBX? Virtually every sound system will be improved with the FBX. Small bands that do not have sound technicians can now increase their monitor volumes so they can hear themselves clearly and with full fidelity, without worrying if the program is going to be ruined by feedback. Auditoriums and churches of all sizes will enjoy reliable feedback control. Hotels and conference centers around the world can offer meeting rooms with sound systems that won't howl during programs. The FBX-2020 can be installed in theaters, schools, sports arenas, courtrooms -- anywhere multiple microphones are used. It can also be used for teleconferencing, intercoms or interactive remote classrooms. Why the FBX? The simple beauty of the FBX is its ability to quickly and effectively eliminate feedback with narrower filters than ever before possible. The FBX delivers superior sound quality automatically. 3 3 FBX-2020 CONTROLS FBX-2020 Front Panel Active/Bypass Switch Bypass mode takes the unit out of the signal path so that it will have no effect on the program. In active mode, the unit controls feedback automatically. The red BYPASS LED lights when the unit is in bypass mode. Lock Fixed Filters When the LOCK FIXED button is pressed, its LED will light to indicate that the FBX is in LOCK FIXED mode. LOCK FIXED mode can be activated at any time after system setup and will stay on until the button is pressed again and the LED turns off. Engaging the LOCK FIXED button also takes the FBX-2020 out of ClipGuard's TURBO setup mode. Signal Level The LED ladder indicates the signal strength relative to the FBX's input clip level. The red CLIP LED indicates clipping; it also indicates the unit is in TURBO mode. Fifth Octave Press the button at any time to select wider filters for any new filters to be set. It is possible to have both 1/5 and 1/10 octave Constant Q filters active in one channel simultaneously. Reset To reset ALL filters, hold the reset button for 4 seconds until all filter LEDs are off. Filter Stage Activity When one of the unit's 10 filters is activated, the corresponding LED lights. A blinking LED indicates the filter that was most recently activated. Set Total Number of Filters To set the total number of filters, depress the button for 4 seconds and then release. The LEDs will begin to light in sequence. When the LED corresponding to the desired number of filters lights, press the button to register your selection. Power Switch The ON/OFF switch is a two-position push button switch. The power indicator LED will light when the FBX is operational. Set Fixed To set fixed filters, hold down the button for 4 seconds and then release. The LEDs will begin to light in sequence. When the LED corresponding to the desired number of fixed filters lights, press the button to register your selection. (Factory default is nine fixed and three dynamic filters.) FBX-2020 Back Panel A/C Power Input The FBX-2020 is factory configured to operate at either 115 VAC or 230 VAC. Using the wrong input voltage may cause permanent damage to the unit and will void the warranty. Fuse This equipment is fitted with an IEC power inlet incorporating a built-in fuse holder. To change the fuse in this socket: 1. Disconnect the power cord from the unit. 2. Pull out the fuse holder and remove the old fuse. 3. Install the new fuse into the holder. Replace only with 5x20mm, 0.315A, 250V F (fast acting) fuse. 4. Refit the fuse cover. Audio Inputs & Outputs 1/4" TRS and XLR balanced and unbalanced. 4 APPLICATION DIAGRAMS FBX Setup for Monitors FBX Out FBX IN Amp In Monitor OUT Amplifier FBX Setup for Entire Mix FBX OUT Amp IN Amplifier FBX IN All other Signal Processing Equipment Main OUT 5 FBX Setup for Single Insert Point FBX-2020 OUTPUT & INPUT Mixer Input Channel B Mixer Input Channel B 1/4" TRS plug Low Z Note: If you're using a mixer with unbalanced 1/4" outputs, you must use standard unbalanced cables and connectors when connecting it to the FBX. Similarly, if your mixer is wired for balanced 1/4" (Ring/Tip/Sleeve) outputs, you must use that type of connector. If you don't, you may experience a loss of gain when using the FBX. The FBX is designed for balanced output. If either side of the balanced output is grounded at any point, a 6 dB loss in dynamic range may occur (+21dBV max. signal level unbal.; +27dBV max. signal level bal.). High Z Insert Use 1/4" TRS plug for balanced sends/inserts Use 1/4" TS plug for unbalanced sends/inserts Mixer Input Channel A 1/4" TRS plug Low Z High Z Insert FBX Setup for Insert Send & Return FBX-2020 OUTPUT & INPUT Mixer Input Channel B Low Z High Z Insert Send FBX-2020 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Where the FBX fits in your sound system Place the FBX anywhere in the sound system that a graphic equalizer might be used to control feedback. The most common place is between the output of the mixer and the input of a power amp. In this position, the FBX can sense and eliminate feedback occurring in any channel of the mixer. The FBX can also be used on a mixer insert point. Insert Return A note about graphic equalizers Graphic EQs are excellent for shaping sound, and they are fairly simple to use. However, using one-octave-wide EQ filters to control feedback invariably causes an unnecessary decrease in the gain and fidelity of the program. It's easy to see that if feedback occurs somewhere between the sliders, you will have to pull one of those EQ sliders down pretty far to eliminate feedback. That pulls out plenty of your program, too. On the other hand, you'll get considerably more net gain and much better sound quality if you use wide graphic EQ filters for tone control and insist on narrow filters for feedback control. If you use an equalizer, place the FBX after the EQ in the signal path. Use the EQ's controls to shape the tonal response of the sound system, but DO NOT NOTCH FOR FEEDBACK. the number of fixed filHigh Z ters; i.e., increasing the number of fixed filters increases the Insert system's gain before Send feedback. The FBX's DYNAMIC FILTERS Insert control intermittent Return feedback that comes and goes throughout the program. They are continually reset automatically to different frequencies as new feedback occurs during the program. For most applications, the optimal setting is nine FIXED and three DYNAMIC FILTERS. This is the factory default. Mixer Input Channel A Low Z ClipGuardTM Adaptive Clip Level Control powerful new feature: Sabine's ! Your FBX-2020 has a adaptive clip level control. Until patented ClipGuardTM Sabine invented ClipGuardTM, engineers had to set audio equipment input and output levels to a comprom ...